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Washoe County budget staff urges commissioners to keep modest contingency, consider ARPA interest to fund positions
Summary
Washoe County finance staff presented a final review of the proposed fiscal year 2026 budget on May 13, urging a $6.8 million (1.5%) contingency and proposing use of ARPA interest to cover several positions now funded by federal awards. Commissioners pressed for ongoing monitoring and asked for more detail before final adoption on May 20.
Washoe County finance leaders briefed the Board of County Commissioners on May 13 on final changes to the fiscal year 2026 budget and sought direction on contingency levels and how to handle several positions now paid with ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds.
Chief Financial Officer Abby Yukooben told commissioners the staff recommendation is to budget a 1.5% general-fund contingency (about $6.8 million) for FY26, down from last year’s 3% practice. She said the contingency level balances near-term revenue flattening with known cost pressures such as contract escalators and outstanding requests for augmentations. “We would propose that you budget 1.5% or $6,800,000 for contingency,” Yukooben said.
The presentation detailed three options staff will use if revenues or costs shift after adoption: routine intra-function transfers, augmentations…
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